The NHL and NHLPA "formally approved" a 56-game regular season slated to begin on Jan. 13, according to Frank Seravalli of TSN.ca. The 56-game campaign "will be crammed into just 116 days -- nearly one game for every two days -- in a baseball-style schedule with mini two- and three-game series dotting each team’s exclusively intra-division schedule designed to minimize travel and the spread of COVID-19." The "plan is to play in all 31 NHL arenas, where possible." Some arenas "will be able to host fans starting next month," while others "may not be able to host games at all -- even without fans." The issue "remains unresolved in Canada," with the NHL and NHLPA "still hoping to find common ground in short order with the five provincial health authorities who have jurisdiction on whether NHL games can be played in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec." Sources said that multiple provincial health authorities have "not signed off on the NHL’s plan and protocol." But there is "expected to be minimal risk to public health." If the provincial health authorities do not sign off, the NHL "could be forced to move the seven Canadian teams to a hybrid hub in Canada (likely in Edmonton) or south of the border for the season." Teams that will be able to host fans include the Stars, with the team saying that they "expect up to 5,000 fans per game at American Airlines Center next month." The Panthers and Lightning also are "permitted to have fans" (TSN.ca, 12/20).
COMMITTED TO GETTING IT RIGHT: SPORTSNET.ca's Chris Johnston wrote the NHL this season is "going ahead with a focus on solutions rather than problems," with the league "preparing to enact significant measures to protect its players and public health." Testing "will be done at least every other day, and potentially every day, with isolation and contact tracing an important feature accompanying any positive results." The deal ratified yesterday gives players the "ability to opt-out of participating and includes the creation of taxi squads of up to six men that will provide additional insurance in case of outbreaks." The NHL is "hoping to return to a familiar routine" for '21-22 with a "season-opening in October" (SPORTSNET.ca, 12/20). In Montreal, Jack Todd writes of this season, "Having seen how the NHL handled summer’s tournament, I have faith in the league's ability to pull it off without endangering public health." The NHL "appears to have a solid plan for a shortened season." Travel protocols "will be very strict," with players and staff in each city "limited to the game rink, the practice rink and the team hotel." They "won’t be allowed to visit outside facilities, bars, restaurants or shops and all meals will be served at the team hotel." Guests "will not be allowed in hotel rooms, players can’t use hotel gyms, there will be no housekeeping services, seats on buses and planes will be assigned." Given the NHL's "performance last summer, the plan is feasible" (MONTREAL GAZETTE, 12/21).
ALL CANADIAN AFFAIR: In Toronto, Kevin McGran notes Canadian teams "will face each other at least nine times" this season, "pending government approval." The North Division is set to feature all seven Canadian teams, as the league "realigns because of travel concerns and pandemic restrictions." The Canadian teams "would play only each other, right through to the second round of the Stanley Cup final." The other three U.S.-based divisions -- East, West and Central -- "will have eight teams apiece and face each other eight times" (TORONTO STAR, 12/21).
IS HOCKEY LAGGING BEHIND? In Toronto, Cathal Kelly writes the NHL is "developing a reputation as that sports league." The "one who’s always falling behind the group." The "one that’s not quite as sharp as everyone else in class." While hockey is "still hashing out the most basic precepts of a 2021 season, basketball -- its annual scheduling twin -- will start its season" tomorrow. This "isn’t primarily a function of money or labour relations." It is an "issue of prioritizing your schedule." The NBA "hashed out its business over the late summer and finalized a deal in early November." Kelly: "Back in the summer, what exactly was everyone at the NHL doing?" (GLOBE & MAIL, 12/21).
